religious connotation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "religious connotation" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the specific meaning or implications that a word or phrase carries related to religion. Example: "The word 'holy' has a strong religious connotation, usually associated with divinity or sacredness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

A police source told the Nouvel Obs: "No words of a religious connotation were uttered".

The Guardian

Tagore's father's name, Debendranath, means "lord of the gods", and has a clear religious connotation.

The Guardian - Books

His silence had no religious connotation, he said, adding, "You've got to try it to appreciate how nice it is".

The New York Times - Arts

His comments about Mr Fabius, he insisted, "had no religious connotation"; the phrase was common in French.

The Economist

But its members might still run as individuals or the party may change its name to remove its religious connotation.

The New York Times

I think the word "prayer" (shorn of any religious connotation please) most accurately captures the quality of this sentence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

True, the word "sacred" carries religious connotations.

The New York Times

No, by itself, aspic doesn't have any religious connotations.

The New Yorker

Outside Lewes, the old political and religious connotations have faded".

Independent

Does aspic have religious connotations in Russian culture?

The New Yorker

Mr. Fuller loved the religious connotations he saw in their names.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing potentially sensitive topics, clarify whether a term or concept carries a "religious connotation" to avoid misunderstandings or unintended offense. For example, specifying that a ritual has no "religious connotation" can help contextualize its practice within a secular setting.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a symbol or practice automatically has a "religious connotation" without considering cultural or historical context. Always research and verify the intended meaning to prevent misrepresentation or cultural appropriation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "religious connotation" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, clarifying the type of association or implication a word, phrase, or symbol carries. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and used to specify that a certain term is linked to religious beliefs or practices.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "religious connotation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term that describes the religious associations or implications of a word, phrase, or symbol. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to precisely specify that a term is linked to religious beliefs or practices. It's important to use this phrase when clarifying the potential religious implications to avoid misinterpretations. Usage is frequent across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, be mindful to avoid overgeneralizing religious connotations and always verify the intended meaning to prevent misrepresentation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

religious significance

Emphasizes the importance or meaning from a religious perspective, differing slightly in focus from implication.

spiritual implication

Substitutes "religious" with "spiritual", broadening the scope beyond organized religion.

theological undertone

Replaces "connotation" with "undertone", highlighting a subtle but underlying religious element.

sacred association

Uses "sacred" to denote religious importance and replaces "connotation" with "association", focusing on connection.

devotional aspect

Focuses on the aspect related to worship or devotion, shifting the emphasis slightly from implication to practice.

ecclesiastical meaning

Replaces "religious" with "ecclesiastical", specifying the context to the Christian Church and its clergy.

doctrinal coloring

Highlights the influence of religious doctrine on the meaning, shifting focus to specific beliefs.

faith-based inference

Emphasizes the inference drawn from religious faith, changing the focus from direct meaning to derived understanding.

liturgical relevance

Connects the meaning to religious rituals and ceremonies, narrowing the context to formal worship.

divine connection

Substitutes "religious" with "divine", emphasizing a link to a higher power.

FAQs

How can I use "religious connotation" in a sentence?

You can use "religious connotation" to describe the religious meaning or implication associated with a word, phrase, or symbol. For example: "The term 'crusade' carries a strong "religious connotation" due to its historical association with the Crusades."

What's the difference between "religious connotation" and "spiritual meaning"?

"Religious connotation" typically refers to the specific association with organized religion, while "spiritual meaning" is broader and can encompass personal or non-institutional beliefs. While there can be overlap, "spiritual meaning" can exist outside the context of established religion.

What are some synonyms for "religious connotation"?

Some alternatives to "religious connotation" include "religious significance", "spiritual implication", or "theological undertone". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to point out the "religious connotation" of a word or phrase?

No, but it's helpful when the "religious connotation" might not be immediately obvious or when it's important to distinguish between a secular and a religious interpretation. Clarity is key.